Did you hit it with some PB Blaster, it should be a 2 minute job, maybe get a bigger hammer

 

I can order some.
I hit it with some break cleaner twice, that's it.

I'm using a 4 lb hammer. You can't go bigger!
Like I said, there's no room to actually strike the butt of the pickle fork. That's what I can't figure out. How did ryaleon use it? There's no clearance, anywhere.

Also, snap-on doesn't make a pickle fork. They used to, but not anymore.
I can order a vintage one, which isn't a problem, but I'm sure which size to get.

It really shouldn't be this difficult...

 

Brake cleaner, is NOT a lubricant, its a cleaner..

I don't know how he did it, but, i found zero issue in removing it, i am shocked that you are having trouble separating it from the centerlink, perhaps you are not angleing the tool, i found no issue with clearence...

You did remove the skid plate, i hope...

 

Snap-On still makes Pickle Folks, they just call them Ball Joint Separators now, heres the link..


https://store.snapon.com/Ball-Joint-...g-P635999.aspx

 

I came across this same issue on a jeep forum. Someone mentioned wacking the bowed out part of the centerlink to free the threaded bolt. Some say they had to cut out the stabilizer & drill out the bolt.

I have no clue why it's stuck as much as it is. I guess the vehicle has more wear & rusting than some. It has 110k miles on it. Could be worse I guess?

As for the skid plate, how would I even get pics of the stabilizer with it on? Come on now, that's just silly.

I'm ordering some BP blaster tonight, soaking the bolt, wrapping a BP soaked wrag around the bolt & leaving it overnight. I'll go from there.


Thanks for the link. I figured it would be called a pickle fork. I'll order that if I need it. So far, I don't see how there's enough clearance. When I go to soak the bolt, I'll wedge the fork in there & show you guys.... I still can wrap my head around how you guys are making these work on 08/09 models...

 

I went in from the front. At first it doesn't fit. But a little persuasion with the hammer and she slips right in.

 

Same here, 2 minute job....

 

Well, I hit it with BP Blaster about 8 hours ago & let it. Then reapplied.
Either the pickle fork is too large, or it'll have to be cut out. I'm tempted to try to bang it out, but I hate just pounding on anything with a hammer when there's a better way.

 

At this point, i would recommend a professional, someone who has experience working on vehicles. ..

 

Have you tried turning it out? I mean why is the end of the bolt boxed? Maybe to put a wrench on it and back it out? Just throwing it out there.